Refugee · Humanitarian · Protection
Protection & Humanitarian Visas Australia
Australia offers resettlement to refugees overseas, and protection to people in Australia who engage its protection obligations. Here is how each visa works.
Protection and Humanitarian Visas Explained
Humanitarian visas (subclasses 200, 201, 202, 203 and 204) are for people outside Australia who face persecution or serious human rights abuses. Protection visas (866, 785 and 790) are for people already in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations.
Which protection visa applies depends mainly on how you arrived: on a valid visa (866), or without one (785 or 790). Protection matters are serious and complex, so get advice early, and remember strict time limits apply if a decision is refused.
Compare Protection & Humanitarian Visas
| Visa | Who it is for | Stay | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refugee (200/201/203/204) | People facing persecution, applying offshore | Permanent | No visa charge |
| Global Special Humanitarian (202) | People facing human rights abuses, proposed from Australia | Permanent | See Home Affairs |
| Protection (866) | Arrived on a valid visa, seeking asylum | Permanent | AUD50 |
| Temporary Protection (785) | Arrived without a visa, seeking asylum | 3 years | AUD50 |
| Safe Haven Enterprise (790) | Arrived without a visa, regional work or study | 5 years | AUD50 |
| Resolution of Status (851) | Eligible TPV/SHEV holders (arrived before 14 Feb 2023) | Permanent | Nil |
Source: Department of Home Affairs.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Costs shown are the starting visa application charge for the main applicant. Always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice.
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Protection & Humanitarian Visas FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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Humanitarian visas are for people outside Australia. Protection visas are for people in Australia who engage Australia's protection obligations.
It depends mainly on whether you arrived on a valid visa (866) or without one (785 or 790).
Some who arrived before 14 February 2023 may be eligible for the 851 visa.
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